Training Volume Question

[Hammonjj]

Is it better to have 4 or so large mileage days or 6 medium mileage days, assuming the same total mileage for the week either way?

I ask because I've been doing the 4 day a week thing because my schedule has been crazy this week and I was wondering if the extra miles and rest would help build a base faster, or at least in fewer total riding days.

Is my logic on track? Does it depend? If so, what does it depend on?

James

[chinarider]

Is it better to have 4 or so large mileage days or 6 medium mileage days, assuming the same total mileage for the week either way?

I ask because I've been doing the 4 day a week thing because my schedule has been crazy this week and I was wondering if the extra miles and rest would help build a base faster, or at least in fewer total riding days.

Is my logic on track? Does it depend? If so, what does it depend on?

James

Depends on your goals and in general where you are in your fitness/training, but all other things being equal I'd vote for the 4.

[JPradun]

How long is long and how long is medium?

[chill123]

i think it all depends on intensity of the rides and the speed your body can recover at. it may be worth you mmonitoringyour waking heart rate?

take a look at the following article on heart rate monitor training. there is a good section near the bottom on overtraining / waking heart rates:

http://cycling.dingdangdo.com/training/heart_rate_monitor_training.php

[palookabutt]

In years past I tried to do 5-6 days per week, based on schedules I found in some books. My long rides were ~50 miles on the weekend. When I tried to ramp up for a century, I found myself lacking energy by the time of the event. It may have been overtraining.

This year I've backed off to a 4-day training week. I've found it much easier to do an 80-mile ride for my long ride. Even my "short" interval days are on the order of 20 miles. I feel stronger and I feel like I'm always motivated.

I'm sure some of it is personal and some of it is age. But there may be a benefit to fewer but longer days on the bike.

[Hammonjj]

In years past I tried to do 5-6 days per week, based on schedules I found in some books. My long rides were ~50 miles on the weekend. When I tried to ramp up for a century, I found myself lacking energy by the time of the event. It may have been overtraining.

This year I've backed off to a 4-day training week. I've found it much easier to do an 80-mile ride for my long ride. Even my "short" interval days are on the order of 20 miles. I feel stronger and I feel like I'm always motivated.

I'm sure some of it is personal and some of it is age. But there may be a benefit to fewer but longer days on the bike.

This was kind of my thought. I figured that the extra rest time would help with motivation as well as overtraining, plus having the added benefit of longer rides. I was doing 1-1.5 hours on weekdays and 2-3 on weekends, but have switched to 2 hours on weekdays and 3-4 hours on weekends, keeping the training time about the same.

[greyghost_6]

If you are looking for stamina, do the shorter 6 days a week. But if you are looking for speed perhaps do the 4 longer maybe faster days instead.

[Hammonjj]

If you are looking for stamina, do the shorter 6 days a week. But if you are looking for speed perhaps do the 4 longer maybe faster days instead.

Why? If i want stamina/endurance wouldn't it make more sense to do the long rides?

[ericgu]

Is it better to have 4 or so large mileage days or 6 medium mileage days, assuming the same total mileage for the week either way?

I ask because I've been doing the 4 day a week thing because my schedule has been crazy this week and I was wondering if the extra miles and rest would help build a base faster, or at least in fewer total riding days.

Is my logic on track? Does it depend? If so, what does it depend on?

James

4 intense days with goo recovery is much better